Erasmus Campus | Ombudsperson reflects on inclusion and participation in a democratic State

On August 28, in Marvão, Ombudsperson Luísa Neto participated in Erasmus Campus 2026—The Inclusion and Diversity Bootcamp, which brought together about 30 young people, aged 16 to 26, from different parts of the country.

“How can we include everyone in the democratic state?” was the theme of the Ombudsperson’s presentation, in which she invited participants to reflect on the meaning of an inclusive democracy and on the obstacles that still hinder full participation in society and the exercise of rights.

Starting with the question “What is the State?”, Luísa Neto emphasized that Portuguese democracy is not limited to its political dimension and that participation in public life goes beyond the exercise of the right to vote, including, among other aspects, access to public office, freedom of association, the right to petition, and class-action lawsuits.